Everyday Life of the Homeless People: Questioning Identity

Abstract

This article explores identity as perceived by the homeless people and as manifested by the State. Homelessness by itself is seen as the illegal occupation of city space. The homeless therefore experience multiple evictions and exploitation. The everyday lifeworld of the homeless people is situated in their personal, social and cultural contexts. The place of stay, things, belongings, and social interactions become an integral part of everyday life through which their identity is derived and located. The article explores how the identity of self as perceived by the homeless is at variance with that of the ascribed homeless identity imposed on them by the State. Their identity hinges on the acquisition and protection of identity documents.